COLPOFER operates through a transparent governance model designed to ensure strategic direction, continuity, and strong member ownership, as set out in the COLPOFER Internal Regulations.

The General Assembly is COLPOFER’s decision-making body. It is composed of representatives of all members and takes decisions related to the organisation’s priorities, activities and overall functioning. The General Assembly convenes twice per year (spring and autumn conferences), with extraordinary meetings convened when required, and the invitation and agenda circulated at least one month in advance. Each General Assembly is structured around a central theme to frame discussion on priority issues affecting the railway security environment. General Assemblies are hosted by member countries in line with rotation criteria and are organised by the hosting member in collaboration with the Secretary General.  In addition to governance decisions, the General Assembly serves as a forum for discussion with invited partners where relevant, and as a structured opportunity for Working Groups to present progress reports and disseminate findings to the wider membership.

The Board is COLPOFER’s executive governance body, mandated to provide management and strategic steering and to ensure continuity between General Assemblies. The Board is composed of the President, up to two Vice-Presidents, the Secretary General, and up to three additional members; each Board member must come from a different Member Organisation, with the exception that the Secretary General may belong to the same company as the President. All office holders are elected by the General Assembly for a four-year term, with the possibility of re-election, and functions are entrusted to individuals rather than to member entities.

In operational terms, the Board implements the policy voted by the General Assembly, prepares the annual work programme submitted for approval, and may submit proposals to amend the Internal Rules for a vote by the General Assembly. The Board also plays a central role in membership and working structures: it submits admission and exclusion matters to the General Assembly, appoints Working Group Chairpersons, monitors Working Group activity, and oversees important matters concerning COLPOFER’s management. For responsiveness, the Board may decide to form new Working Groups on specific topics and define tasks and time frames between two General Assemblies, with subsequent validation by the General Assembly; it may also call an extraordinary General Assembly when required. Coordination with UIC is explicitly part of the Board duties, and the Board may seek input from external partners to support its strategic reflection.

The President, Vice-President(s), Secretary General and Board members provide strategic guidance and support the advancement of railway security cooperation across Europe.

• President – Salvatore Iannicelli (Chief Security Officer, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane)

• VicePresident – Hendrik Vanderkimpen (Head Security and Stakeholders Management, EUROSTAR), Patrick hennies (Chief Security Officer of DeutscheBhan)

• Secretary General – Maria Cristina Fiorentino (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) 

• Board members: 
  Christophe Bouteille (Executive Director, SUGE SNCF) 
  Włodzimierz Kiełczyński (Director of Safety Department, PKP SA)